The Splendor of the Red Chamber

The next day was the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Because it's almost the end of the year, if we don't leave now, we'll be spending the New Year on the road.

So the Rongguo Mansion started packing their luggage before dawn. The luggage was easy to pack, but the number of people who came to see them off was overwhelming. One person pulled Jia Lian and gave him a few words of advice, while another clung to Lin Daiyu and refused to let go.

The journey was delayed until almost noon due to various factors.

Wang Xifeng and Jia Baoyu escorted him onto the boat, giving him detailed instructions and making sure he was thoroughly inspected before reluctantly bidding him farewell.

The three-story ship majestically departed from the shore, slowly sailing away from Dongbianmen Wharf.

With no more obstructions on either side, the river wind grew increasingly cold. However, Jia Lian, relying on his strong physique and the protection of his fox fur cloak, not only did not find it unbearable, but also felt refreshed and relaxed as he leaned against the railing and gazed at the river.

At this moment, Zhao'er came to report that Lin Daiyu was feeling seasick. The doctor on board said that she should get more ventilation, but he was worried that Daiyu's weak body could not withstand it.

"After all these years of raising her in our home, how come she's still so frail?"

Jia Lian originally didn't pay much attention to Lin Daiyu, treating her only as a little sister in the family.

But now that they know she is the female lead in the book, and the most popular one at that, they naturally won't take her lightly anymore.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "I think Lin Daiyu just doesn't exercise enough. I recently learned a set of exercises similar to the Five Animal Frolics. When Lin Daiyu is feeling better, I'll have her practice with me."

He paused, then added, "If she's feeling really dizzy, we'll stop and rest when we get to Tongzhou Wharf."

Zhao'er agreed and went downstairs to deliver the message.

Jia Lian continued to lean on the railing and gaze into the distance, occasionally spotting large fish surfacing below, which piqued his interest.

Long'er brought over the sinewy wooden pole, stood it at the bow of the boat, and tried it a few times. Then he poked the pole into the mouth of a big fish, twisted his wrist, and lifted it out of the water.

"Second Master, what excellent marksmanship!"

Xing'er and Long'er shouted their praises and rushed over to pin the fish down. One pressed its head and the other its belly, but they were accidentally slapped twice by the fish's tail.

The two crisp "snap, snap" sounds made Jia Lian burst into laughter.

This is certainly not some kind of marksmanship; it's just a skill honed from pole vaulting, plus quick reflexes and sharp eyes.

But even with just these two things combined, it's enough for Jia Lian to overpower all others.

Unless someone like Gu Tingye comes from a family with a strong academic background and possesses exceptional talent, very few people can withstand his ability to "kill a master with a flurry of spears".

Jia Lian was in a great mood and just instructed Xing'er and Long'er to take the fish to the kitchen to cook it for lunch with his wine.

Zhao'er came looking for her again, saying that Lin Daiyu was grateful for Lian Erge's concern, but she was eager to return home and there was no need to stop at Tongzhou Wharf.

Jia Lian pressed further, "What about teaching her the Eight Pieces of Brocade?"

"This... Zijuan didn't mention it."

After thinking it over, Jia Lian decided to talk to Lin Daiyu in person. After all, she was the female protagonist of the story, and who knows, the Rongguo Mansion's downfall might be related to her.

So he took Zhao'er upstairs and said to Chunxian, the maid who was guarding the door of the elegant room, "Go and ask if it's convenient for Sister Lin. I have something to say to her in person."

Jia Lian and Lin Daiyu were proper cousins, and he was thirteen years older than Daiyu, so there was no need for him to hide anything when speaking to her in public.

Chunxian hurriedly went in to report.

A moment later, the head maid Zijuan came out from inside to greet them. She originally served the old lady and was in the same group as Yuanyang and Hupo. Later, she was assigned by the old lady to Lin Daiyu.

"Please invite the second master in, young lady."

When Jia Lian followed Zijuan inside, Daiyu was leaning against the headboard, wrapped in a brocade quilt.

Her face was fair and smooth, without any makeup. Her eyes were shimmering with tears, veiled by a thin mist of weariness. Her breath was shallow and rapid, and she gently pressed her hand to her chest, displaying a pitiful and charming demeanor.

Although she was slender and graceful, she could not hide her natural beauty and charm, which made people feel affection for her at first sight. No wonder Baoyu treated her like his own heart.

Jia Lian wouldn't stoop so low as to have any romantic thoughts about an 11-year-old aunt, so he only glanced at her before signaling Xueyan to bring over an embroidered stool to sit down.

Then he said to Lin Daiyu, "I said I would teach you a way to strengthen your body, but you haven't responded. Is there something you're worried about?"

Lin Daiyu bowed slightly and said, "I appreciate your kindness, Brother Lian, but I am currently troubled and afraid that I will not be able to learn well and will disappoint you."

Secondly, if one wants to practice, it's definitely not feasible to do so indoors, and going outside would inevitably involve too many people and too much gossip. Moreover, there are people coming and going on the river, and if a stranger were to see them…”

"Haha~"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian laughed and shook his head, saying, "I thought that since my sister spends all her time with Baoyu, she would be as unconventional as him."

He paused, then said seriously, "What you say is certainly true in normal times, but no matter how great the etiquette is, it cannot be greater than the relationship between father and daughter. You came south this time to take care of someone who is ill. If you fall ill first, how can you fulfill your filial duties at her bedside?"

If Uncle Lin sees his sister looking haggard, his grief will only worsen his condition; conversely, if his sister is healthy and well, he will naturally feel relieved and at ease.

These words indeed moved Lin Daiyu.

She hesitated, "But it's only about half a month's journey. Is that enough time?"

"If you don't do it, it will never be too late."

As Jia Lian spoke, he stood up and instructed Zijuan and Xueyan beside him: "Prepare veils and hats for your young lady. After lunch, I will take her for a walk on the boat. After she has digested her food, I will teach her the Eight Pieces of Brocade."

Then he said to Lin Daiyu, "I just used the spear to lift up a big fish and have already instructed the kitchen to make fish soup. Sister, please do me the honor of having a few more bites."

In their daily interactions, Lin Daiyu and Jia Baoyu either bickered or Baoyu would coax her.

When have I ever experienced my brother's earnest teachings?

He was momentarily speechless, and helped Xueyan down to her feet, bowing respectfully and saying, "It was my mistake, sister. Thank you for your guidance, brother."

After seeing Jia Lian off.

Zijuan and Xueyan were also secretly surprised. They knew that Second Master Lian had been transformed by the blessing of his ancestors, but they did not expect that even his personality had changed.

I've never seen him care about his sisters like this before.

Xueyan couldn't help but sigh, "These are all auspicious omens, so why isn't Second Master Bao as ambitious as Second Master Lian? Instead, he's always making Master and Madam angry!"

Zijuan didn't say anything, but her expression clearly showed that she agreed with what she said.

Originally, all the young men of the Rong and Ning mansions were in a terrible state. Although Baoyu was unruly, he was kind-hearted and considerate.

So neither of them had thought anything was wrong before.

But after seeing Jia Lian's transformed demeanor today, and comparing it with Jia Baoyu's wriggling, gluttonous appearance at yesterday's banquet, one immediately senses the vast difference between heaven and earth.

"Baoyu is still young!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu retorted, "Didn't Second Brother Lian only become enlightened in his twenties? When Baoyu gets older, he'll probably be too..."

She lost her confidence halfway through the conversation.

After all, she had clearly witnessed the outcome of Xue Baochai's advice to Baoyu to improve himself yesterday. At the time, she was only focused on watching the excitement, but now, thinking about it, she couldn't help but feel worried.

She certainly didn't expect Jia Baoyu to achieve anything great; she just wanted the two of them to be together, laughing and joking around.

But now that Jia Lian has stood in contrast, if Bao Yu doesn't know how to restrain himself and continues to say such unconventional things, what will the whole family think of him?

So, halfway through her speech, Lin Daiyu subconsciously stopped talking.

Zijuan and Xueyan both knew that she was close to Baoyu, so they naturally did not dare to refute her words. They simply prepared the veil and hat according to Jia Lian's instructions.